“We grew very fast and I closed six as they were problem sites taking up senior management’s time and effort,” he explained at the time. “You’ve got to be practical and if it’s not meant to be, shut it down and try again. We opened two more. The restaurants are all profitable. I’m positive about the industry but times are challenging.”

In a statement issued to the press, a spokesperson said: “The Jamie Oliver Holdings Group has provided a short-term company loan into the business to support it through the tough trading environment and our programme of capital expenditure to ensure we fully maximise all our opportunities.”

The Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group recently restructured its senior management team, with Jon Knight appointed as CEO. Mr Knight previously served as managing director of the group’s international restaurant portfolio.